Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for ‘sustainable development’. One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by UN Environment. This post is located in the Convention on Biological Diversity, Access and Benefit-sharing and Traditional Knowledge Unit (ABS-TK). Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Scientific and Policy Support Division (SPS) and the direct supervision of the Head of the ABS-TK Unit, the incumbent handles the following duties:

Responsibilities

A. Contributes to provide substantive support to the implementation and management of the Programme of Work for Traditional Knowledge – article 8(j) and related provisions. B. Contributes to develop outreach and partnerships in support of the Programme of Work for article 8(j) and related provisions. C. Assists Parties, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Local Communities (LCs) and stakeholders in the effective implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, especially articles related to “associated traditional knowledge”. D. Contributes to the activitities of the Capacity Development Unit. E. Undertakes other activities as assigned by the Senior Programme Officer on Traditional Knowledge or by the Executive Secretary.

Competencies

– PROFESSIONALISM: Provides substantive support for the effective development of and advance the programme of work for articles 8(j), 10(c ) and related provisions, including through the development of mechanisms and tools to enhance its effective implementation; for the preparation and facilitation of Ad Hoc Open-Ended Intercessional Working Group on article 8(j) and related provisions; for capacity-building development, outreach and partnerships in line with the Strategic Plan and to joint programmes and initiatives which can contribute to common goals. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations.

– PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

– TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise and is willing to learn from others: Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in indigenous affairs, public policy, environmental law, education and/or biodiversity related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in related project or programme administration and/or policy development or related fields, is required. Applicants who have passed the National Competitive Examination, now known as the Young Professionals Program (YPP) do not require the two-year experience. Work experience with indigenous peoples and local communities, capacity-building, adult education and training at international level or within the United Nations System is an advantage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required. Working knowledge of French or another UN language is an asset.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by Him or her. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. 1. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. 2. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.